New metrology products from CCL

A generic measurement technique developed by Cambridge Consultants Limited (CCL) provides the basis for a new range of metrology products.

CCL has established and patented a new interferometric system for nanometric resolution surface finish and form measurement. The system may be used for objects of complex geometry having either optically rough or smooth surfaces. Its high speed, precision and flexibility will benefit any manufacturing industry where rapid, on-line measurement is needed to control processes and improve yield. It is also suitable for the characterisation of delicate surfaces that can be damaged by contact, and is expected to have an emerging role in the measurement of micro-structures and silicon wafers.

The CCL system determines the absolute height of the object from the modulation envelope of the interference fringes resulting from the use of a spectrally broad band light source. This concept has been developed to the level of an advanced experimental demonstrator and an extensive programme of work has been undertaken to verify key performance characteristics. This has shown:

Compatibility with stylus measurements: Ra values and Wavelet Spectra derived from the optical and stylus surface profile traces are in close agreement.
Minimally invasive operation: the measurement probe may be made extremely compact, enabling it to measure surfaces with limited access.
Measurement at high speed and resolution: non-contact measurement and reflectivity variation-insensitive signal processing are compatible with continuous surface scan velocities of the order 1mm/sec at a spatial resolution of typically .55m. The process noise-equivalent height resolution is of the order 1nm in a linear measurement range of 105m.
Simultaneous finish and form measurement: the measurement probe can be servo driven to measure large depths of geometrical form at the same time as the fine scale surface finish profile.

Cambridge Consultants Limited is now seeking companies who are interested in the development of new products based on the above technology. For more details please contact either David Wilson or Bob Jones on 01223 420024 (Fax 423373) who will be pleased to arrange a meeting and demonstration of the system.

Notes for editors:

Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For over 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications.

Created by three Cambridge graduates in 1960, the company has grown into a leading technology business, renowned worldwide for its ability to solve technical problems and provide innovative, practical solutions to commercial issues. In 2009, the company was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and in 2011 was awarded a second Queen's Award, this time for Innovation. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com

Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, global leader in innovation and high-tech engineering consulting. Altran supports companies in the creation and development of their new products and services. For thirty years, the Group has been providing services to key players in the fields of Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare, and Telecoms. Present at every stage of project development from new-technology strategic planning through to manufacturing, Altran is able to capitalise on its expertise in four key domains: Product Lifecycle Management, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering & Embedded Systems and IT Systems. With a global network of 17,000 collaborators (including 15,000 consultants) and 500 major clients throughout the world, the Group reported sales of €1,420m in 2011. More info: www.altran.com

For further information:

Cambridge Consultants

Patrick Pordage
Marketing Communications Director
Tel: +44 1223 420024
Patrick.Pordage@CambridgeConsultants.com